FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ITS America Statement on FCC Proposed Rulemaking
High-Tech Leaders, Auto Manufacturers, and State Highway Officials Urge Caution in Push
to Open Up 5.9 GHz Band to Unlicensed Users
Washington, D.C. (January 10, 2012) – Scott Belcher, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) issued the following statement in response to the ongoing study of spectrum sharing within the 5.9 GHz band.
“We understand and support the effort by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) to identify spectrum that may be utilized to ease the broadband shortage resulting from the proliferation of wireless services and devices,” Belcher said. “We recognize that sharing within the 5.9 GHz band should be explored. However, policymakers should be mindful not to fast track a decision without a complete record and fair opportunity for all affected parties to participate in the process, particularly when life-saving vehicle technologies are on the line.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that a connected vehicle network, which relies on the 5.9 GHz band and is currently being tested with nearly 3,000 vehicles in Ann Arbor Michigan, could address at least 80 percent of all unimpaired vehicle crash scenarios, saving many thousands of lives each year.
Today, ITS America, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of Global Automakers, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and other transportation and high-tech leaders sent a letter requesting that the NTIA involve the transportation community in the development of NTIA’s position regarding spectrum sharing within the 5.9 GHz band. The joint letter to the NTIA is online at http://db.tt/0ic046ha.
“As Chairman Genachowski acknowledged, the 5 GHz band is already used for other purposes by federal and non-federal users, requiring significant collaboration with other federal agencies in order to move forward. We look forward to working with the FCC, NTIA, USDOT and the stakeholder community to find solutions to the spectrum shortage while continuing to advance life-saving innovations,” Belcher said.
About ITS America
ITS America is the leading advocate for ITS technology development and deployment in the United States. ITS America was established in 1991 as a not-for-profit organization to foster the use of advanced technologies across America’s surface transportation system. Members include private companies and industry leaders, public agencies at all levels, universities and research laboratories. For more information, visit www.itsa.org.
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